Supercar classics and retro rally stars up for auction

John Redfern

May 17, 2024

Icons of road and track up for auction
© Iconic Auctioneers
This weekend will see a wealth of classics and weapons-grade supercars up for grabs at the Iconic Auctioneers Supercar Fest sale.

Being held as part of the Supercar Fest event at Sywell Aerodrome in Northampton, the auction will take place on Saturday 18 May 2024.

Before the bidding starts, we have taken a look at just some of the highlights from a very eclectic list. Fasten your seatbelts…
2002 TVR T440R
© Iconic Auctioneers
One of the stars of the Supercar Fest sale is a unique TVR homologation special. Built to compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the T440R is a thinly disguised race car.

The sole surviving example, this T440R is powered by a 440hp 4.4-litre Speed Six engine. It’s mounted in a tubular frame chassis, combined with a carbon fibre monocoque tub. The result was a claimed top speed in excess of 200mph.

Comprehensively rebuilt and restored, the Candy Apple Red T440R is a genuine piece of British motoring heritage. Accordingly, it comes with a pre-auction estimate of between £190,000 and £230,000.
2003 TVR T350C
© Iconic Auctioneers
Another important TVR is part of the Supercar Fest auction: the T350C displayed at the 2002 British Motor Show. The very first car created, it was first registered to the late Peter Wheeler, then the chairman of TVR.

Making this show car different to regular T350C models is the use of a 4.0-litre Speed Six engine. Series production cars came with a 3.6-litre version, developing 350hp and 290lb ft of torque.

Having covered 82,000 miles, the T350C underwent an engine rebuild at 56,000 miles. Upgrades include Bilstein suspension and brakes from the later TVR Sagaris. It has a guide price of £30,000 to £35,000.
2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
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Intended as a more hardcore version of the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Superleggera was launched in 2007. More power, plus a saving of 100kg from the car’s kerb weight, made for vivid performance.

Built in left-hand drive, this example was registered in the UK in 2021. It had previously been fitted with a twin-turbo kit, which resulted in a dramatic engine failure. A 5.2-litre V10 from a later Gallardo has since been fitted, along with a wide-arch bodykit by Hamann Motorsport and a manual gearbox conversion.

Recent maintenance has seen £5,000 spent on servicing, leaving this Gallardo ready to be driven. It could be yours for between £68,000 and £75,000.
2023 Audi R8 GT V10 RWD
© Iconic Auctioneers
If you’d prefer your V10-powered supercar a little newer, how about one of the very last Audi R8s produced? This is one of only 15 examples of the GT RWD model made for the UK, from a global production run of 333 cars.

Its 5.2-litre V10 engine produces 620hp, for a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 199mph. A seven-speed paddle-shift transmission is fitted, with the rear differential offering varying levels of oversteer potential.

Painted in Suzuka Grey, the R8 comes with exposed carbon fibre detailing inside and out. Gloss black exhaust tailpipes and 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted, too. With the R8 now out of production, buying this example should cost between £230,000 and £260,000.
1973 Ferrari 365 GTC4
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Made for just two years, the Ferrari 365 GTC/4 kept the chassis and engine block from the famous Daytona, but clothed them beneath a new Pininfarina body. Only 505 examples were made, with only 31 of them reaching the UK in right-hand drive.

Painted in distinctive Marrone Colorado with a beige interior, the GTC/4 comes equipped with air conditioning and a Voxson radio. Placed into storage in 1989, the car spent more than 20 years without being used. Recent work has seen it recommissioned, with more than £17,000 spent.

For a rare and intriguing Ferrari with a 4.4-litre V12 engine, the GTC/4 comes with a pre-auction estimate of between £190,000 and £210,000.
1976 Ferrari 308 GTB Vetroresina
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Made famous by its appearance in Magnum P.I., the Ferrari 308 proved to be one of the most successful models in the marque’s history. Powered by a mid-mounted 2.9-litre V8 engine, early European examples like this one came with 252hp.

Being an earlier model means the Ferrari comes with lightweight glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) bodywork. Later models had heavier steel panels, making this a desirable classic car. It also happens to be one of just two right-hand-drive examples finished in the striking Verde Medio Metallizzato paint colour.

Having undergone a comprehensive restoration, the 308 GTB also comes with Ferrari Classiche certification. At auction, it could sell for £150,000 to £180,000.
1980 Lotus Esprit S2.2
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For a mid-engined sports car with a more affordable price tag, this Lotus Esprit is expected to receive bids of just £25,000 to £30,000 at auction. Created as a stop-gap model, the S2.2 was on sale for only 13 months.

A key difference compared to the standard S2 model was an increase in torque from the 2.2-litre engine, with 160lb ft now on tap. This helped cut the 0-60mph time to 7.0 seconds.

With the same owner for some 40 years, the Esprit was placed into storage in the early 1990s. A complete engine-out overhaul and rebuild was completed in late 2023, making it ready for use again.
1997 Renault Sport Spider
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For those who find a Lotus Elise a little too predictable, the Renault Sport Spider is the alternative 1990s roadster. The first model ever made with the Renault Sport badge, the diminutive Spider matched a lightweight aluminium chassis with the 2.0-litre 148hp engine from the Clio Williams hot hatchback.

Earlier left-hand-drive Spiders used an aeroscreen, but all right-hand-drive examples (like this one) came fitted with a proper windscreen. Only 60 UK-spec Spiders are now thought to exist, making this a rarity compared to the ubiquitous Elise.

Painted in Liquid Yellow, and with just 5,200 miles on the clock, this car has been pampered throughout its life. It comes with a guide price of £35,000 to £40,000.
2004 Porsche 911 GT3
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Like the Renault Sport Spider, the 996-generation Porsche 911 GT3 is likely to attract interest from track day fans. Based on the facelifted 996.2 version of Stuttgart’s famous sports car, the GT3 came with more power, plus wider bodywork from the 911 Carrera 4 model.

Its 3.6-litre flat-six engine offers 381hp, with a six-speed manual gearbox fitted. Originally built in ‘Comfort’ specification, this GT3 has received a number of Clubsport-style upgrades. These include lightweight bucket seats, a roll cage and three-way adjustable KW suspension.

Ready for more track action, the 911 GT3 could be sold for between £62,000 and £70,000.
1989 Porsche 911 Turbo G50
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The original Porsche 911 Turbo, known as the 930, arguably created the company’s very first supercar. It had a fearsome reputation, thanks to the turbocharged punch from its flat-six engine.

Up for auction at Supercar Fest is one of the very last examples of the 930 model. It represents one of 130 cars made for the UK in the final year of production, wearing original Paint-to-Sample Minerva Blue. As a late 930, its 3.3-litre engine produces 330hp, and is combined with a five-speed manual transmission.

A genuine one-owner car, the 911 Turbo has amassed just 9,950 miles from new. Being so rare and desirable means it could achieve a considerable £200,000 to £250,000 at auction.
1976 Porsche 912E
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Mike Brewer has bought and sold countless cars through the Wheeler Dealers TV series, but this Porsche 912E was a personal purchase while filming in the United States. Exported back to the UK, Brewer had the car restored and repainted in its original Enamel Blue.

The 912E was sold by Porsche for just over one year, with the United States its target market. It used a fuel-injected version of the 2.0-litre Volkswagen flat-four engine, producing a respectable 90hp.

Bought by Brewer for around £6,000, the Porsche is likely to return a decent profit at auction, with a £40,000 to £50,000 guide price.
1982 Porsche 911 SC Restomod
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When filming Wheeler Dealers in the United States, Mike Brewer became bored of driving rental cars. So, he purchased this 1982 Porsche 911 SC instead. The ‘Super Carrera’ model originally came with a 200hp version of Porsche’s air-cooled engine, but Brewer’s SC has received some extra attention.

A 964-generation plenum chamber, individual throttle bodies and a custom exhaust system have lifted its output to 230hp. Brewer also had the front and rear bumpers reprofiled and the suspension lowered after the car was imported to the UK.

Affectionately referred to by Brewer as being a ‘Hot Rod’, this Guards Red Porsche is expected to sell for between £60,000 and £80,000.
1974 Ford Transit Mk1 LWB
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The final vehicle being offered by Mike Brewer is this classic Ford Transit. Bought for filming in series 17 of Wheeler Dealers, the Transit began life working for the German Fire Service.

As part of the Wheeler Dealers show, the Transit was converted to right-hand drive. A respray in Ford Light Grey returned the van to its original paint colour. Sold to a dealer, Brewer eventually bought back the Transit for himself, being unable to bear parting with it.

Now the Transit and the two Porsches are being sold to help Brewer fund a new project. Place a winning bid of between £50,000 and £60,000, and you could be holding out your hand to buy yourself a retro Ford.
1974 Ford Escort Mk1 AVO RS2000
© Iconic Auctioneers
On that note, no auction would be complete with some fast Ford action, and the Supercar Fest sale does not disappoint. Freshly restored, this Escort RS2000 is likely to be in demand when it crosses the block.

The 2.0-litre ‘Pinto’ engine was chosen to allow the RS2000 to reliably produce 100hp. Extra attention has been paid to the engine in this car, with Weber carburettors, a stainless steel manifold and a stainless steel exhaust fitted.

Finished in Olympic Blue, the interior has also received a retrim, with the delicate dashboard veneers also refinished. Being in Custom Pack specification undoubtedly helps towards a £45,000 to £50,000 guide price.
1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
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The Ford Sierra RS Cosworth has become an auction staple, but that does nothing to diminish its significance. Developed to allow Ford to dominate Group A touring car racing, more than 5,500 examples were produced in total.

Finished in desirable Moonstone Blue, this RS Cosworth retains its original turbocharged 2.0-litre engine. Despite being placed into storage in 1993, only mild recommissioning work was apparently needed when it was released from captivity.

With long-term ownership and a bulging history file, this Sierra is likely to be in demand at Supercar Fest. It could achieve between £55,000 and £65,000.
1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth
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What could be more special than a Sierra RS Cosworth? A Sierra RS500 Cosworth, of course. An evolution model, intended to keep the Sierra at the top of the touring car game, an extra rear spoiler and larger turbocharger were among the changes.

Limited to exactly 500 examples, this is RS500 number 433 from the production run. Bought by the vendor in search of the finest RS500 around, this car has won countless awards at shows throughout the country.

Noted as being unrestored, and with plenty of documentary provenance, the RS500 comes with a suitably large pre-auction estimate of £160,000 to £190,000.
1990 Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth 4x4
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The four-wheel-drive version of the Sapphire Cosworth was the final chapter in the Sierra RS story, launched in 1990. Four-wheel traction, plus a boost in power to 220hp, meant 0-60mph took just 5.6 seconds.

This particular example was first used as Ford’s press demonstrator, appearing in promotional material and being evaluated by motoring journalists. Bought by the vendor in 1995, it has been kept garaged and scrupulously maintained since.

With a guide price of £30,000 to £35,000, it makes for a more affordable way into Sierra RS Cosworth ownership – but no less exciting.
2003 Ford Focus Mk1 RS
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A newer addition to the ranks of fast Ford royalty, the first-generation Focus RS was inspired by the cars used in the World Rally Championship. A turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, with 215hp, was fitted, but there was no all-wheel drive. Instead, a Quaife torque-biasing differential was fitted to keep the front wheels under control.

Like all Mk1 Focus RS models, the car up for auction is finished in Imperial Blue. Its Sparco front seats are trimmed in a combination of black and blue leather, with Alcantara inserts.

With one owner from new, the Focus RS has amassed just 3,325 miles. When not being driven, the Focus has been kept in a temperature-controlled garage, and even parked on padding to avoid tyre deformation. All of this leads to a pre-auction estimate of £40,000 to £50,000.
1973 BMW FIA-spec 3.5 CSL Batmobile
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One of the most recognisable BMW race cars, the ‘Batmobile’ version of the E9 coupe was campaigned in the European Touring Car Championship and Group 5 competitions.

Starting life as a 3.0 CS road car, this example was converted to full 3.5 CSL FIA-specification in the 1980s. It then spent many years competing across the UK and Europe, changing hands several times. This even included a stint being owned by Jay Kay of the band Jamiroquai.

Mechanically refreshed in 2021, the BMW is now ready for a new racing challenge. It is eligible for a host of historic motorsport events, including the Le Mans Classic. It could attract bids of between £160,000 and £180,000.
1982 Rover SD1 Vitesse Group A
© Iconic Auctioneers
The Rover SD1 is known for its success in Group A touring car racing, but it also proved to be an effective rally car in the right hands. Built by the Austin Rover Group Motorsport department, this SD1 was intended to be entered in the Peking to Paris rally.

The late Tony Pond had a hand in developing the car for the event, but the rally itself was cancelled. This saw the SD1 handed over to Scottish rally driver Ken Wood, who campaigned it in the Scottish Rally Championship.

Later found abandoned in a garage in Oldham, the SD1 has been subject to a comprehensive restoration, and returned to how it looked when rallied by Ken Wood. This important piece of motorsport heritage has a guide price of £75,000 to £85,000.
1985 MG Metro 6R4 Group B
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The Rover SD1 Vitesse rally car was killed-off from competition use by the radical MG Metro 6R4. Built for the wild days of Group B rallying, the 6R4 combined a mid-mounted 3.0-litre V6 engine with four-wheel drive. This was certainly not your grandmother’s Austin Metro.

Only nine works Metro 6R4s were built, and this is one of them. Completed for the 1986 World Rally Championship, it was driven in the Monte Carlo Rally by Tony Pond. After Group B rallying was outlawed, this 6R4 was preserved in its original specification, with only a handful of exhibition outings since.

Arguably one of the most important examples of the Metro 6R4 built, and very well preserved, the pre-auction estimate suggests a price of £350,000 to £450,000.
1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI RS450
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Throughout the late 1990s, rallying was dominated by the battle between Subaru and Mitsubishi. A Group A arms race was responsible for the Lancer Evolution series, with this being one of the most extreme examples created.

Built solely for the UK market, only four examples of the RS450 are believed to exist. A Ralliart-prepared engine produces 438hp and 412lb ft of torque, making for a big increase in power compared to the standard car. Active Yaw Control and ABS brakes were removed to help save weight.

KW Clubsport coilover suspension, 18-inch Speedline Turini wheels and a stainless steel exhaust system have been fitted for good measure. The rare Evo could sell for between £60,000 and £70,000.
2001 Subaru Impreza P1
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In a bid to counter the stream of grey-import Imprezas flooding the country, Subaru launched the UK-only P1 in 2000. Developed with Prodrive, a total of 1,000 examples would be built, with a Peter Stevens-designed styling kit for the two-door body.

Blue Mica paintwork was standard, with the turbocharged flat-four engine boosted to 280hp. Upgraded suspension, OZ Racing alloy wheels and a Prodrive exhaust system were also fitted.

With a single previous owner from new, this P1 has covered just under 15,000 miles. Given the interest in classic Imprezas, the P1 comes with an estimate of £70,000 to £80,000.
1988 Peugeot 309 GTi 16v Supercharged
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What happens if you combine a Peugeot 309 GTi with an ex-Prodrive engineer, and no limits on budget? Quite probably this particular car, which has around £100,000 invested in extreme performance enhancements.

Lightweight bodywork, including a carbon fibre roof, has been used. There is also a welded-in roll cage, Group A suspension, bespoke rally wheels and lightweight bucket seats. The star of the show is a supercharged 2.0-litre 16v engine, said to be producing 370hp.

A truly bespoke creation, the 309 ‘Maxi’ seems something of a bargain, with a guide price of between £40,000 and £50,000.
1971 Range Rover V12
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As wild as the previous Peugeot 309 GTi may be, this Range Rover is perhaps the maddest creation on offer at the Supercar Fest sale. Beneath the body of a classic 1971 Range Rover is the V12 engine from an Aston Martin DB7.

Extensive work was needed just to make the 400hp V12 fit, along with modified Defender axles, Bilstein suspension and huge AP Racing brakes. The interior was retrimmed, while the bodywork was painted in dark maroon, with a special airbrushed Union Jack flag on the front.

For a truly unique Range Rover, bank on needing £30,000 to £40,000. Fuel costs are not included…